Joseph Johnson

For much of his life, Joseph Johnson didn’t see college as part of his future.

“I’ve always struggled really hard with school,” he said. “I have a lot of learning disabilities, dyslexia, and ADHD, which have always been a real big contender.”

That experience, combined with what he heard from others growing up, shaped his view of his potential.

So instead, Johnson spent much of his early adulthood working a wide range of jobs, from building maintenance to tech support. He even joined the Marine Corps, but was medically discharged when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

“Crohn's disease really does present a lot of issues working manual labor jobs,” Johnson said.

By his mid-30s, Johnson knew he needed a different path, one that could accommodate his health while offering more stability.

Despite his past struggles in school, he made a decision that would change everything.

“I just honestly, I took a gamble,” he said. “So I finally just decided that even though I have these learning disabilities, through a lot of the programs that MiraCosta provides, there may be an opportunity for me to excel and succeed.”

Johnson said he chose MiraCosta for its welcoming learning environment and strong student resources, support systems that quickly became a lifeline in his academic journey.

Through programs like Student Accessibility Services (SAS), Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), along with other campus resources, Johnson found the tools he needed to navigate both his academic challenges and his health condition.

He also leaned heavily on his professors, who played a key role in guiding and encouraging him along the way.

Those relationships opened the door to new possibilities. With their support, Johnson began exploring different career paths, ultimately leading him to change his major from computer engineering to political science, a field he said better aligned with his goals.

“I realized I can actually go out and change things and try to push things forward and make a change, make a difference,” Johnson said of his new career aspirations.

At the same time, a new treatment helped him better manage his condition, allowing him to more fully engage in school and reimagine what his future could look like.

“Through the encouragement of several of my professors — and this medication — I decided that I was going to go after something I was passionate about,” he said.

With a clearer sense of purpose and the support system around him, Johnson began to thrive, both academically and personally.

His hard work and determination did not go unrecognized. He was awarded MiraCosta’s Medal of Academic Merit, the college’s highest academic honor, and one that holds a deeper meaning for Johnson.

“When I realized it wasn't so much that you're the smartest kid in the class, but you were willing to take the time to go above and beyond, I think for me, that was huge,” Johnson said. “There are a lot of things that I sacrificed so that I could focus on my schoolwork… so it's something great to walk away with a little bit of recognition.”

Looking back, Johnson sees MiraCosta as the place that gave him both the tools and the confidence to move forward.

Moreover, Johnson said coming back to school broadened his understanding of the world around him.

“There's a huge opportunity to make an impact in the world, and I want to take full advantage of that,” Johnson said. “I want to try to make you know maybe other people's lives just a little bit better. Maybe I can't change the world, but hopefully I can at least change the local community around me.”

Johnson’s journey is a testament to resilience, second chances, and the power of finding the right support system at the right time.